The MenB (meningococcal B) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal bacteria B.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that progresses very rapidly. Meningitis can lead to deafness, blindness, epilepsy, learning difficulties and, in severe cases, death.
MenB is one of the leading causes of invasive bacterial disease in infants and young children in the UK.
The bacteria can rapidly invade the bloodstream and central nervous system, making MenB a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.
The best way to protect your baby against these serious diseases is to get them vaccinated.
The MenB vaccine used in the UK is:
Bexsero®: Click here to find out more about vaccine ingredients.
In Wales, babies are routinely offered the vaccine at:
All recommended doses are needed for the best possible protection.
The vaccine is given as an injection in your child’s thigh muscle. The vaccine can also be given in your child’s upper arm.
The highest risk of invasive MenB disease occurs during the first year of life, particularly between 3 and 5 months of age.
The MenB vaccine is given at 8 weeks and 12 weeks to help your baby's immune system learn how to fight these diseases before they are most at risk
As children grow the initial protection naturally decreases over time. The booster at 12 months strengthens immune memory and provides longer-lasting protection throughout early childhood, especially as children begin mixing more with others in nurseries and social settings.
What is MenB?
Meningococcal Group B disease is caused by bacterial infection.
The bacteria can rapidly invade the bloodstream and central nervous system, causing severe inflammation around the brain (meningitis) or blood infection (septicaemia).
Although many people carry the bacteria harmlessly, invasive disease can develop suddenly and progress within hours.
How does MenB spread?
MenB bacteria can live in our noses or throats without causing any problems at all. The bacteria can pass from person to person through close contact. For example, people living in the same household can spread MenB bacteria to other people through coughing or sneezing.
In some people and under certain conditions, the bacteria can become dangerous.
Meningitis signs and symptoms
Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
Babies and toddlers
Children
The meningitis glass test
A typical meningitis rash does not fade when you press it. To check for it, press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin. Not everyone gets this rash. It usually starts as small spots but quickly becomes deep purple patches.
Complications
MenB infection can cause devastating complications, even when treated promptly.
Bloodstream infection can result in:
Other complications
MenB may also cause:
Despite modern intensive care and intravenous antibiotics, the mortality rate remains approximately 5–10%, with some deaths occurring within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Why is paracetamol recommended for this vaccine but not most others?
The MenB vaccine commonly causes fever when given alongside the routine infant vaccinations at 8 and 12 weeks.
Preventative paracetamol significantly reduces the likelihood and severity of fever without affecting the immune response.
What if my baby was born prematurely?
Premature babies should receive the MenB vaccine according to their actual date of birth, not their expected due date.
Babies born before 32 weeks' gestation who weigh less than 4 kg may require an adjusted paracetamol dose based on their weight.
What does a normal injection site reaction look like?
It is common for a small, hard, slightly red lump to develop where the injection was given.
This is a normal immune response and usually disappears naturally within several weeks.
What if my child misses a dose?
If a dose is missed, the vaccination course can usually continue without restarting.
Parents should contact their GP practice as soon as possible to arrange a catch-up vaccination.
What to do in case of allergic reactions
Vaccinations are given by trained healthcare professionals who are equipped to recognise and treat anaphylaxis immediately if it occurs.
Very rare side effects from the vaccine include: allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives (a raised, itchy rash), difficulty breathing or swallowing, and feeling dizzy.
These symptoms may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction and usually happen within 15 minutes of being vaccinated. Call 999 straight away if your child has had the vaccine and has any of these symptoms.
You can find reports of all side effects in the patient information leaflet for the vaccine. For more information on side effects, go to Bexsero®.
If your child’s symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111 or your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at Yellow Card, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Mild redness, swelling, soreness, or a small lump at the injection site are common after vaccination and are not signs of a severe allergic reaction.
What are the common side effects?
Like many medications, vaccinations also have common side effects such as:
Most side effects are mild and resolve within a few days.
Fever After MenB vaccination
Your baby may get a fever after any vaccination, but it is more common when the MenB vaccine is given with the other routine infant vaccinations. Giving your baby paracetamol soon after their vaccination and not waiting for a fever to develop will reduce the risk of them having a fever.
Give the first dose of paracetamol as soon as possible after your baby has had their vaccination. Use only infant-strength (120mg/5ml) liquid paracetamol. For very premature babies (born before 32 weeks), a doctor should prescribe the paracetamol.
Paracetamol doses after the first two MenB vaccinations
For babies aged eight weeks to six months, give half a teaspoon (2.5ml) using the spoon or syringe provided with the medicine.
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This information applies after your baby has had the MenB vaccine. If your baby has a fever at any other time, you should follow the instructions and dose advice on the product packaging and patient information leaflet.
Make sure you have a supply of infant-strength paracetamol at home before your baby’s first vaccination appointment. You can buy it from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Do not give the first dose before your vaccine visit. The nurse needs to check for signs of existing infection, which could mean the vaccination needs to be delayed.
The vaccine should not be given to babies who have had a serious (life-threatening) reaction to:
If your baby has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past, speak to the person giving the vaccine.
If you have any questions about the MenB vaccine, or you are not sure about when your baby or child should have it, you can contact your GP surgery for advice.
Why are booster doses needed?
Babies need more than one dose to build strong, long-lasting protection.
Each dose helps the immune system strengthen its response to the diseases covered by the vaccine.
The first dose starts teaching the immune system how to recognise these diseases.
The second dose helps build stronger protection.
As children grow the initial protection naturally decreases over time. The booster at 12 months strengthens immune memory and provides longer-lasting protection throughout early childhood, especially as children begin mixing more with others in nurseries and social settings.
Having all recommended doses helps provide the best possible protection against MenB.
What happens at the appointment?
The practice nurse or GP will explain about the vaccinations and answer your questions. With babies, the vaccine is given by injection in the thigh. In children over the age of 12 months, injections are usually given in the upper arm.
Write down any questions you have and ask the health professional at the vaccination appointment.